The Westin Book Cadillac Detroit recently celebrated its centennial with events and transformations highlighting its rich history and vibrant future. A collaboration with the Detroit Historical Museum brought to life a free exhibit tracing the Neo-Renaissance hotel’s journey from its inception in 1924 to its status today as a Detroit icon. The exhibit, located adjacent to the hotel’s Starbucks Reserve, opened in October 2024 and invited Detroiters to share personal memories and artifacts for the display.
Originally built by the Book brothers—Frank, Herbert, and J. Burgess Jr.—the Book Cadillac Hotel changed the landscape of Washington Boulevard, then referred to as the “Fifth Avenue of the Midwest.” Designed by architect Louis Kamper for $14 million, it debuted on December 8, 1924, as the tallest hotel in the world, boasting 33 floors and 1,136 guestrooms. From the start, the hotel became a hub for high-profile events and notable guests, including U.S. Presidents Truman, Eisenhower, Kennedy, and Biden, and cultural icons like Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., Babe Ruth, Joe Louis, and Frank Sinatra. It even made a Hollywood appearance in Frank Capra’s 1947 film State of the Union, starring Katharine Hepburn and Spencer Tracy, both of whom stayed at the hotel during filming.
However, the 1980s marked a period of decline. The hotel closed in 1984, narrowly avoided demolition in 1993, and remained vacant until The Ferchill Group purchased it in 2006. After securing funding from 23 sources, the group restored the property, and in 2008, the Book Cadillac reopened as The Westin Book Cadillac Detroit following a $200 million redevelopment. The revitalization included 453 luxury hotel rooms and 65 upscale condominiums, igniting Detroit’s broader revitalization by drawing new businesses, residents, and entertainment to the city.
As the hotel approached its centennial, it underwent a $23 million renovation, completed in December 2023 under its new ownership, the Oxford Capital Group. The extensive updates included fully refreshed guestrooms, over 36,000 square feet of redesigned meeting and banquet spaces, and upgraded public areas. The project, led by The Gettys Group, introduced contemporary aesthetics that complemented the building’s historic charm.
A key highlight of the renovation was the opening of Sullivan’s Steakhouse, which replaced the former Roast restaurant. Sullivan’s brought a refined dining experience to Washington Boulevard, offering hand-cut steaks, fresh seafood, and signature cocktails. The Haus of Brunch, set to open in late 2024, promised to elevate the hotel’s culinary offerings further. Other updates included transforming the Motor Bar lobby lounge and adding features like a Green Wall in the first-floor arrival space, enhancing the guest experience.
The hotel’s general manager, Debra Schultz, expressed pride in the renovations and excitement for the centennial celebrations. “The Westin Book Cadillac Detroit has always been a cornerstone of Detroit’s hospitality scene,” she said. “This milestone marks not just a celebration of our history but a reinvigoration of our future.”
In partnership with the Detroit Historical Museum, the 100th Anniversary Exhibit became a focal point of the celebrations. Artifacts such as historic hotel keys, staff uniforms, and a century-old wedding dress from a Book Cadillac ceremony were featured, alongside personal stories contributed by the public. Rebecca Salminen Witt of the Detroit Historical Museum described the exhibit as an opportunity to tell meaningful Detroit stories, noting that the hotel had been a site for countless life milestones.
The Westin Book Cadillac Detroit stands today as a symbol of resilience and luxury, seamlessly blending its storied past with a modern, urban vibrancy. As guests and visitors explore its rich legacy and reimagined spaces, the hotel continues to serve as a hub for memorable moments, solidifying its place as a Detroit landmark for another century.
Video credits:
Pastry chef – Bella e Dolce Cakes
Content creator – Meg Goodman
